Inslee's climate change bill passes Legislature

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A measure championed by Gov. Jay Inslee to study the best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions has passed the state House and heads next to the governor's desk.

Under the measure passed today, an outside consultant would review both Washington state's ongoing efforts to cut carbon emissions and similar endeavors elsewhere. It would then report back to the governor and legislative leaders.

Language in the original bill warning of the perils of climate change was removed in the Republican-controlled state Senate. House Democrats elected not to reintroduce that language, instead sending the bill to the governor.

Supporters say the bill would help the state reach its target of reducing 2020 greenhouse gas emissions levels to those of 1990.